Second successive double podium for Movistar Yamaha MotoGP

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Jorge Lorenzo made it three podiums in a row on Sunday, whilst Valentino Rossi beat Marc Marquez in a midrace battle.

Lorenzo made a strong start to the bwin Grand Prix České republiky, taking the lead on lap two and leading for several laps. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) was eventually able to catch and pass his rival, creating a gap of almost two seconds.

The final laps saw Lorenzo rapidly close the gap to his Spanish compatriot, finishing within half a second of winner Pedrosa. This is Lorenzo’s fifth podium of the season and his third consecutive rostrum result.

Rossi was able to overcome a finger injury sustained in FP4 to beat Marquez (Repsol Honda) for the first time this season and claim another podium. Rossi made a solid start from seventh and began to battle with Marquez from the first lap.

The battle lasted for several laps, with Rossi eventually gaining the advantage on lap 13. The experienced Italian went on to finish five seconds ahead of Marquez, but five seconds behind his Yamaha teammate.

Lorenzo commented, “Finally we beat Marquez, though sadly it was Dani (Pedrosa) who got the win. I felt good in the Warm Up and at the start of the race. After two laps I lost some feeling and Dani caught me and passed me. I tried to be more aggressive and the bike improved at the end of the race. But by then he was too far ahead, maybe with one more lap I could have fought for the victory.”

Rossi stated, “I am very happy for this result because it was a tough weekend. I crashed yesterday and injured the finger. In Warm Up we had some pain and a bad setting. We made a good setting for the finger for the race though!”

He continued, “I was able to have a good race and had a high pace. Sadly I lost a little in the first laps, as I wasn’t sure on the pace. It was a great pleasure to beat Marc for once! He had some problems, sliding a lot. I’m very proud to be on the podium.”